The Dad Update

April 2010 I went to visit Dad in the hospital in Salmon Arm, B.C. He had a bad attack of gout and was unable to walk . After discussions with his doctors, the hospital liaison co-ordinator, his friend Irene, and community care workers, Dad had a decision to make - to stay in Salmon Arm in "assisted living" or come home with me to decide what to do next. He decided to come home with me.

I have created this blog mainly to keep my family updated, but now and then my friends may want to check in to see how life is "living with Mac!".

This blog will note how it is living with an 83 year old father. It will note the funny, the sad, and anything else in particular that may happen with "living with Mac"!


Thursday, September 9, 2010

September 9, 2010 - General Update

Hi everyone .....

Long Weekend
Hope you all had a great long weekend!  We had a very good time at the lake.  The weather wasn't too bad - a little cool and windy on Saturday, beautiful on Sunday, and Monday it rained but did not matter as we left at 11:00 am.  I am sorry to say we couldn't take Dad fishing.  The water was very low and as a result we were unable to take the boat out of the marina.  Oh well, next year!  Dad did enjoy sitting around the campfire working in his puzzle book - much better than sitting in the house!

Transportation
I do continue to have problems getting Dad to and from the GAT Unit.  I can get "We Care" to drive him but it will cost $37.00 each way for a total of $74.00!   I had a lady from Pineview drive him this morning for $30.00 one way.  Brian may be off work soon so it won't be a problem in the future (I hope!).  We do need good transporation as Dad may be going to Rainbow, a place where he can spend the day and socialize with people instead of dogs!

Doctor
Dad now has a Doctor which may, or may not, be a good thing.  I have to say the service Dad received from the "Unattached Patient Clinic" was exceptional!  I know it was/is better care than he would have received from a Doctor!  We will miss them!

Hearing
Did mention, Dad can't hear very well!  It can be painful sometimes when you are trying to have a serious conversation with him.  Dad finds it frustrating too, not being able to hear and always having to say "huh?".  We are going to look into getting him a hearing aid.  They cost quite a bit ($2,500 - $4,000), but I think it is worth it!  Having said that, there are many funny moments when we say something, Dad responds, and the response has nothing to do with that we said!!  We do have a some good laughs!!  :o)

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